How to Get Wet in Boston And Beyond

Admit it. A summer devoted to scholarly study, while noble can become tedious. Summer, after all, Is not about books and exams but sand and surf.

Alas, New England is not exactly a sun-worshiper's paradise. The Mamas and the Papas could have titled their hit song "Massachusetts Dreamin,'" but they didn't--and it wasn't simply because "California" had a better ring to it.

Still, there is no reason to transfer to UC-Santa Cruz. From the West Coaster homesick for salty ocean spray to the land-locked Midlander who wants to discover the wonders of the sea, this area has something to offer anyone who wants to go wading in something other than a plastic baby pool.

It may be hard to believe, but the same public transportation that goes to Filene's Basement will also magically transport people to the Atlantic Ocean. So one doesn't have to travel to the ends of the earth to find a large body of water--just to the ends of the ends of the red and blue lines of the MBTA system.

A 25 minute T ride on the red line is will bring sun-seekers to the Wollaston Beach. Actually, the T stops in the town, and it's a 20 minute walk down aptly-named Beach Street in order to reach the water. It's a pleasant stroll through neighborhoods of old house with potted geraniums and rose bushes in the front yard, but the final destination may be disappointing.

One would be hard-pressed to see Wollaston as a true escape from the city. Boston's skyline looms in the distance, land looms in nearly every direction and the every-present traffic noise is impossible to ignore.

The beach itself is nearly deserted. Only a few sunbathers and lone man and his metal detector were around on a recent weekday afternoon. A favorite pastime of the local seems to involve eating lunch in their parked cars as they gaze out at the sand. Not quite "Beach Blanket Bingo."

Wollaston's sand is the standard grayish stuff, laced with dried seaweed and a little shredded garbage. Closer to the shore, the sand becomes mucky and less-than-inviting to potential waders.

At Wollaston there is one thing to eat: fried clams. Across the busy street is The Original Clam Box and Powers' Famous Fried Clams, two eateries that offer whole fried clam and fried clam strips at identical prices. Tony's Clam Shoppe has a more comfortable dining atmosphere, although the seafood plates are a bit pricey at $8.95 (for whole fried clam) and $7.40 (for fried clam strips).

Revere Beach, on the other side of Boston, is nearly at the end of the T's blue line, right before the Wonderland racetrack stop. Revere tries harder to be a bona fide beach. The sand is whiter, the beach stretches further, and the ocean stretches outward.

From the construction-laden Revere Beach T station, the walk to the sand and water is only a short distance down--what else--Beach Street. Shelters and a gazebo, each decoratedwith ornate wrought-iron trim, invite strollers tosit a spell. The Boston skyline is less obviousthan at Wollaston. Unfortunately giant moderncondominiums looms over the beach, promptingmemories of Holyoke Center architecture that wouldrather be forgotten.

Revere is a family beach. Little kids inpolka-dotted swimsuits intently craft their sandcastle constructions while their parents watch.Across the street, though, Revere's "adult" sidesurfaces in a couple bars catering to the over-21crowd. A sign on the front of Sammy's Patio boastsSunday Night Karaoke, featuring Joey Scott!"

Food stands outnumber the bars by far;American, Italian and Chinese fare can all bepurchased within a block or two. Barbecue, pizza,subs, fried clams, lamb tips and a "Syrian pouch"are all available at Anna's. Prices aremanageable; a slice of cheese pizza is $1.50, anda slice with four toppings is $2.50.

Sammy's Patio provides food as well as a shotat fifteen minutes of karaoke fame. The walls ofits casual dining room are graced with framedpictures of Hulk Hogan an another one of Madonnalicking a lollipop.

Although Revere and Wollaston are the mostaccessible beaches by subway, a car exponentiallyincreases the number of sunspots accessible tosummer school students. Just a little more mileagegets the getaway-seeking daytripper to severalpleasant beaches.

Cape Cod offers nearly 300 miles of coastlinedotted with an array of quaint fishing villagesand rocky beaches. Ferries to Martha's Vineyardand Nantucket leave daily. A trip to the islandsrequires a little planning, some extra cash, ahard to get reservation and a tolerance fortourists but it's well worth the effort. Whitesand, clear surf and gray-shingled cottages withwidow's walks on the rooves all abound on theislands.

The Maine Coast is a tempting alternative tomore local beaches and a good way to get far awayfrom the Yard. Kennebunkport is a touristy villagefeaturing the summer home of George Bush. Whiletouriests aren't regularly invited to the Yalie'splace for supper sans broccoli, the towndoes have several quaint seafood shacks where thebrave can pick up a lobster while it still crawls.

The town of York is more down-to-earth, and thewater at its four public beaches truly sparkles.the More upscale Ogunquit beach is the place to beif you enjoy long, clean stretches of white sandand the company of thousands of vacationingstrangers. You'll even get practice conjugatingFrench verbs--Ogunquit is a favorite among theQuebecois. Beyond the beach, a path lets you enjoya seashore walk along the rocky coast.

Can't shake that scholarly feeling? That urgeto intellectualize? Don't worry; this isHah-vahd! Of course there's a spot nearbyfor brainy water enthusiasts. As a matter of fact,the place was the hangout of a famous Harvardgrad, Henry David Thoreau.

Nearby Walden Pond is not just a philosophyreading assignment; it actually exists as a realbody of water. okay, it's freshwater, and there'sno surf, but no one can wax philosophical with thesound of crashing waves in the background. This isnot Pointbreak. Here, the idea is to muse,ponder, and reflect. Here, the only talking is inwhispers.

At Walden, a leisurely walk around Americanliteratures most celebrated getaway is a must.This transcendentally tranquil pond is closed inby trees--lots of them--leaving little room forfrisbee or laying out. Yet the narrow path thatlazily winds around Walden is sufficient forreflective strolls and discussions about civildisobedience.

Harvard is not known for its fun in the sun.Summer School offers few opportunities to spreadon neon pink sunscreen and fewer chances to playan intense game of sand volleyball. But thesituation isn't hopeless. There are escapes whenthe Charles River just isn't enough.CrimsonDavid E. RosenRevere Beach is only a hop, skip and a jumpaway.

Revere is a family beach. Little kids inpolka-dotted swimsuits intently craft their sandcastle constructions while their parents watch.Across the street, though, Revere's "adult" sidesurfaces in a couple bars catering to the over-21crowd. A sign on the front of Sammy's Patio boastsSunday Night Karaoke, featuring Joey Scott!"

Food stands outnumber the bars by far;American, Italian and Chinese fare can all bepurchased within a block or two. Barbecue, pizza,subs, fried clams, lamb tips and a "Syrian pouch"are all available at Anna's. Prices aremanageable; a slice of cheese pizza is $1.50, anda slice with four toppings is $2.50.

Sammy's Patio provides food as well as a shotat fifteen minutes of karaoke fame. The walls ofits casual dining room are graced with framedpictures of Hulk Hogan an another one of Madonnalicking a lollipop.

Although Revere and Wollaston are the mostaccessible beaches by subway, a car exponentiallyincreases the number of sunspots accessible tosummer school students. Just a little more mileagegets the getaway-seeking daytripper to severalpleasant beaches.

Cape Cod offers nearly 300 miles of coastlinedotted with an array of quaint fishing villagesand rocky beaches. Ferries to Martha's Vineyardand Nantucket leave daily. A trip to the islandsrequires a little planning, some extra cash, ahard to get reservation and a tolerance fortourists but it's well worth the effort. Whitesand, clear surf and gray-shingled cottages withwidow's walks on the rooves all abound on theislands.

The Maine Coast is a tempting alternative tomore local beaches and a good way to get far awayfrom the Yard. Kennebunkport is a touristy villagefeaturing the summer home of George Bush. Whiletouriests aren't regularly invited to the Yalie'splace for supper sans broccoli, the towndoes have several quaint seafood shacks where thebrave can pick up a lobster while it still crawls.

The town of York is more down-to-earth, and thewater at its four public beaches truly sparkles.the More upscale Ogunquit beach is the place to beif you enjoy long, clean stretches of white sandand the company of thousands of vacationingstrangers. You'll even get practice conjugatingFrench verbs--Ogunquit is a favorite among theQuebecois. Beyond the beach, a path lets you enjoya seashore walk along the rocky coast.

Can't shake that scholarly feeling? That urgeto intellectualize? Don't worry; this isHah-vahd! Of course there's a spot nearbyfor brainy water enthusiasts. As a matter of fact,the place was the hangout of a famous Harvardgrad, Henry David Thoreau.

Nearby Walden Pond is not just a philosophyreading assignment; it actually exists as a realbody of water. okay, it's freshwater, and there'sno surf, but no one can wax philosophical with thesound of crashing waves in the background. This isnot Pointbreak. Here, the idea is to muse,ponder, and reflect. Here, the only talking is inwhispers.

At Walden, a leisurely walk around Americanliteratures most celebrated getaway is a must.This transcendentally tranquil pond is closed inby trees--lots of them--leaving little room forfrisbee or laying out. Yet the narrow path thatlazily winds around Walden is sufficient forreflective strolls and discussions about civildisobedience.

Harvard is not known for its fun in the sun.Summer School offers few opportunities to spreadon neon pink sunscreen and fewer chances to playan intense game of sand volleyball. But thesituation isn't hopeless. There are escapes whenthe Charles River just isn't enough.CrimsonDavid E. RosenRevere Beach is only a hop, skip and a jumpaway.